Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

With two days to go until the official signing period begins, here's the latest free-agent buzz gathered from conversations with executives, agents, and others in the know:

UPDATE:

* As reported by CBSSports.com, the Mavericks are pushing for a sign-and-trade with Toronto that would send Shawn Marion to Dallas. Such a deal almost certainly would have to include Jerry Stackhouse going to Toronto -- or a third team -- because only $2 million of his $7 million salary for next season is guaranteed. Toronto is not in a position to take back salary because it needs to clear space to sign Hedo Turkoglu, who agreed to a five-year, $53 million deal over the weekend after reneging on a verbal commitment to Portland. Mavs owner Mark Cuban and Marion's agent, Dan Fegan, are pushing the Dallas scenario, according to a source, and are trying to involve either Oklahoma City or Memphis as a third team to satisfy Toronto's need to clear room for Turkoglu. If the Raptors can't trade Marion, the simplest path to clearing space for Turkoglu would be to renounce its rights to Marion, Carlos Delfino, and Anthony Parker.

* Despite reports that the Trail Blazers were preparing to make a major bid for Knicks restricted free agent David Lee, a coaching source familiar with the situation said Portland is more interested in the Lakers' Lamar Odom. And the source described the Odom situation with Portland as "lukewarm." The Blazers and Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, discussed the situation early in the negotiating period, but Portland was preoccupied at that time with its pursuit of Hedo Turkoglu. Now that Turkoglu has spurned the Blazers and committed to the Raptors, Portland is deliberating what to do with its $9 million in cap space. The Blazers have been exploring point-guard options for some time, but the coaching source said Sixers free agent Andre Miller isn't the answer because of his sub-part shooting ability.

* Lee's situation is complicated by the fact that the teams with cap space have either spent it on other players (Detroit, Toronto, Memphis) or are proceeding cautiously in the first wave of free agency (Oklahoma City, Sacramento). The market for Lee is difficult to navigate because teams are hesitant to endure the seven-day period during which the Knicks would have the right to match. Sign-and-trades, too, are untenable due to the fact that Lee's first-year cap number would be exorbitant based on his status as a base-year compensation player. Knicks president Donnie Walsh has played this as close to perfectly as possible from the beginning.

* A rumored trade discussion sending Richard Hamilton from Detroit to Utah for Carlos Boozer is just that, for now: a rumor. "Not at all," said a person who would have knowledge of the talks when asked if there was anything there. Even so, it's worth keeping in mind because it makes too much sense for both teams. Boozer's decision not to invoke his player option opened the door for the Jazz to trade him while retaining restricted free agent Paul Millsap, who like Lee has been met with lukewarm interest. The backcourt situation in Detroit with Rodney Stuckey, Hamilton, and Ben Gordon bears watching, as does the $50 million or so left on Hamilton's contract.

* The Wizards are pursuing Antonio McDyess, but word is he's heading back to the Pistons. A decision from 'Dyess is coming soon, according to a source, and it appears to be between Detroit and San Antonio. Blazers restricted free agent Channing Frye could be a fallback option for Washington. But according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavs are the latest team to meet with Frye, who also has drawn interest from Denver, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

UPDATE: Shannon Brown will re-sign with the Lakers for two years and $4.2 million, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. The second year is a player option.

UPDATE: Ramona Shelburne of the L.A. Daily News -- you read some of her stuff here during the playoffs -- caught up with Kobe Bryant at his annual basketball camp at Loyola Marymount on Monday. Surprisingly few media members were there, considering all the news in Kobe-land of late. Check out her blog for all the details.

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

I never said he lead the league in scoring he is just the best pure scorer. Believe me I watched him torch my Pistons for 25 straight points in a playoff game, and we were the 2nd best defensive team in the league that year. And I know Orlando will add another piece put I still think with Big Z coming off the bench for the Cavs they are going to be hard to defeat.

Since: Jan 4, 2007

Posted on: July 7, 2009 5:03 pm

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

Plus Orlando lost alot of depth when they let "Reefer" Alston and Courtney Lee go, Gortait is gone, that is trouble. The Magic sign a starting PF and thier bench becomes Mickael Pitrus, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Johnson. That's really not that bad and the Magic will probably also get an upgrade over AJ at PG.

Stan Van Gundy rarely goes more than 8 deep so I really don't expect the bench to be a problem. Besides that what does Cleveland's bench look like?

Attacking a teams bench at this point is not called for as there are still many servicable FAs out there. Both the Magic and Cavs will add depth.

Since: Jan 4, 2007

Posted on: July 7, 2009 4:48 pm

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

An you call Rashad Lewis unguardable, what would you say about Lebron, the leagues best scorer? Ummm....let's see....I'd say Dwade is the leagues best scorer since he did lead the league in scoring! Nice try but try and get your facts straight before posting.

Since: Oct 4, 2006

Posted on: July 7, 2009 12:08 pm

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

and lost Turkoglu

They should get Marion from toronto in a sign and trade out of that..

sdpride2
Since: Feb 29, 2008

Posted on: July 7, 2009 11:49 am

This comment has been removed.

Post Deleted by Administrator

Since: Apr 4, 2007

Posted on: July 7, 2009 9:40 am

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

Cavs will win it all next year. Shaq is coming off of a great season and when he goes to the bench Big Z steps in. Tell any other team good luck on haveing your back up center cover Big Z. An you call Rashad Lewis unguardable, what would you say about Lebron, the leagues best scorer?

And if Marion signs it is going to be tough for any team in the league to stop them. Plus Orlando lost alot of depth when they let "Reefer" Alston and Courtney Lee go, Gortait is gone, that is trouble.

Since: Oct 28, 2008

Posted on: July 7, 2009 9:38 am

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

Big Baby is a decent guy coming off the bench but he is not that big a loss for the C's. Well I guess because of his size you can call it a "big" loss. He is undersized height wise and is very limited to poor defensively and is an average rebounder for a big. He has a nice 12 foot jump shot and some pretty good low post moves. But he will always battle weight issues and will never be anything more than a role player on a good team. If he is starting for your team your team. Your team can't be that good.

Since: Jul 2, 2009

Posted on: July 7, 2009 7:41 am

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

JAMEER NELSON WILL GET HURT AND THEN THE HEDO SITUATION COMES BACK TO HAUNT THEM

Since: Jul 2, 2009

Posted on: July 7, 2009 7:37 am

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

THERE HAS BEEN AN UPDATE ...............THE KING IS STAYING IN CLEAVLAND AND WILL RE-SIGN AND WILL NOT ENTER THE FREE AGENT MARKET IN 2010

Since: Mar 29, 2007

Posted on: July 7, 2009 2:59 am

Free Agent Buzz (UPDATE)

Le6ts see. If Dallas gets Marion, Gortat and resigns Kidd Im not sure if they didnt really improve Blade. This of course depends on dumping Damp and Stack. I think they accomplished what they wanted to do and it still gives them space for the Free Agent arms race of Summer 2010. Wade or Bosch would really look good in this line up.